Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 June 2021
119. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the changes that will be made to the scheme for secretarial assistants in the Houses of the Oireachtas to recognise the evolution of the secretarial assistant role in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31919/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the below living wage starting salary for secretarial assistants under the scheme for secretarial assistants in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31918/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 161 together.
The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is responsible for the salaries of staff employed under the Secretarial Assistance Scheme who provide administrative support to Members of the Oireachtas.
The Deputy will be aware that SIPTU has been engaging with the Commission in relation to the terms and conditions of its members who are political support staff of Oireachtas Members. The staff in question are employed in the Houses of the Oireachtas by individual TDs and Senators.
A conciliation conference took place in April 2021 at the WRC and this process remains available to the parties to seek resolution of the issues between them.
The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act, 2003 requires the Commission, in relation to secretarial facilities, to obtain my consent before reaching an agreement with any person in relation to conditions of employment.
